WEEK B-L1 MARK 1:12-15

JESUS IS TEMPTED At once the spirit drove him out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfilment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

1. Understand It!

2. Explore It!

Tempted

An attempt to get someone to do something.

Ministered

To attend to the needs of someone.

Proclaiming

To announce officially or publicly.

Repent

To feel or express regret about one’s wrongdoing.

Despite being three short verses, today’s Gospel reading brings together many themes. Jesus enters the desert following His baptism in the Sea of Galilee. During His time in the desert, Satan tempts Jesus, but Jesus rises above it all and is taken care of by the angels. From there, Jesus not only proclaims the Good News, but He embodies the Good News. He calls on all people to repent now, as the Kingdom of God is at hand.

3. Connect It! Today’s Gospel appears to have two primary messages. First, is resisting temptation and the second is the call to repent. While Satan tested Jesus, we see God presence emerge from Jesus’ struggle and testing. Regardless of where we are in life, during the difficulties, God is always there. Coming out of the desert, we see Jesus emerging from the desert stronger in faith. He speaks forcefully that now is the time. This is our chance to be with God in Heaven, but we must first repent. To repent is not simply to go to confession, it means a change of heart and mind, where we emerge from our repentance and confession with a new attitude, changing our behavior, and turning to God in all times.

4. Live It! [ TRUTHFULNESS ] Truthfulness means to tell or express the truth; being honest. Jesus calls on us to always be truthful in life. This means in our relationship with others, such as family, friends, and peers, but very importantly, in our relationship with God. This week, make every effort to be truthful with the people you encounter. Additionally, make an extra effort to be truthful to God in the Sacrament of Confession. Do not just stop there, seek reconciliation and make a genuine effort to not commit the sin again. Write how the little boy below is being truthful.

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5. Remember It! “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

6. Pray It! Heavenly Lord, we pray for truthfulness. Help us to choose our words wisely, speaking what others need to hear, not what others want to hear. Help us to always be truthful to You, in not only our actions, but also our words and thoughts. Amen.

(Mark 1:15)

My child has completed the corresponding virtue for this week _______________________________________ Parent signature